Cannavaro offered honorary citizenship
Image: Fabio Cannavaro receives his honorary Leichhardt citizenship from Darcy Byrne / Photo: Frank Pinto
Sydney’s “Little Italy” was treated to a rare spectacle last Saturday as Norton St went into lockdown to welcome the arrival of Italian football legend Fabio Cannavaro.
The retired football star was in town to receive his honorary citizenship of Leichhardt from Mayor Darcy Byrne.
“I am very happy to be here today,” said Mr Cannavaro, speaking in Italian.
“This is the second time I have come to Australia and I always find a big support from the fans. Thanks for coming and always Forza Italia (Go Italy).”
Approximately 250 fans attended the 2006 World Cup-winning captain’s arrival. Many were seen donning the Italian football jersey and carrying Cannavaro memorabilia to be autographed.
“We’ve celebrated every one of his games in this street so it’s quite momentus for us,” said fan David Mirabile.
Mr Byrne paid homage to the historical significance of the local Italian community.
“After World War II, Italians started coming to Leichhardt, often with nothing more than the clothes off their back. But what you have shown today by this magnificent turnout is that more than six decades later, Leichhardt and Norton St is still the spiritual home of Australia – it’s terrific to see.”
In awarding Mr Cannavaro honorary citizenship, Mr Byrne said the gesture was “in recognition for the unbreakable bond between the people of Leichhardt and the people of Italy”.
His fans were in raptures.
“It was nice and he was smiling,” said fan Phil Lombardo. “He took time out to sign the autographs of the guys at the front and he didn’t make a fuss about it.”
Others were also excited about the impact of the event for football in Australia.
“I think it is good that there are more soccer personalities coming down to Australia [helping] to implement the game,” said fan Tony Credo, who hails from the town Mr Cannavaro grew up in, Napoli.
